JOHOR BAHRU, March 13 (Bernama) -- Joy was evident on the faces of nearly 100 orphans and asnaf (tithe recipients) from Rumah Perlindungan Fitrah Qaseh as they were treated to a shopping trip for Raya clothing in preparation for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration.
This initiative was part of UDA Holdings Bhd's (UDA) corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, UDA Cares, through the Majlis Sinar Ramadan UDA 2025 event, held at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall here.
Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of UDA, Zahrin Zakaria said that a total of RM30,000 was contributed to the shelter home through zakat wakalah funds.
"A sum of RM30,000 from zakat wakalah funds was channelled to these children, allowing each of them to shop for new clothing worth RM300.
"This initiative strengthens the CSR commitment of UDA Cares, particularly under the Enriching Life pillar, by supporting communities in need and fulfilling the responsibility of distributing zakat wakalah to eligible recipients within UDA's business development areas," he said during the launch of Majlis Sinar Ramadan UDA 2025 at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall today.
Also present were Angsana Johor Bahru Mall Chief Operating Officer (COO) Imran Salleh, UDA Land (South) Sdn Bhd COO, Muhammad Ismail Dasuki, along with UDA management and staff who helped the children with their shopping.
Zahrin stated that the programme has been organised annually for the past three years to bring joy to the children by allowing them to experience the excitement of preparing for Aidilfitri, enjoying iftar meals, and receiving festive cookies as a token of appreciation.
He added that the initiative reflects UDA’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the community, particularly the Bumiputera, in the hope that they can celebrate Aidilfitri in a joyous atmosphere.
"This assistance aligns with UDA’s new branding concept, ‘L.I.F.E.’—Legacy, Integrated, Finesse, and Enrich—which aims to enhance social well-being in line with the Malaysia MADANI framework," he said.
He noted that the programme also supports tenants operating businesses at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, contributing to the empowerment and growth of local entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Siti Aisyah Khadijah Ezuddin, 13, one of the recipients, expressed her excitement about getting a new baju kurung along with her friends from the shelter home.
"I’m really happy because this year, all of us girls at the home planned to wear matching yellow baju kurung, so I’m very excited to choose my own outfit," said the girl, who hails from Batu Pahat.
Muhammad Fadzrul Naim Mohd Khairu Hafiz, 15, shared that this year’s Aidilfitri celebration is particularly meaningful to him, as he is grateful for the opportunity to get the baju Melayu he had been hoping for.
"I’m happy that there are people who are willing to share their blessings. With this contribution, I was able to choose a green baju Melayu—my favourite colour—to wear on Hari Raya Aidilfitri," said the Negeri Sembilan teenager.
-- BERNAMA
